Gastrointestinal Polyposis

What is gastrointestinal polyposis?

Gastrointestinal polyposis refers to a group of diseases that are known for causing polyps in the stomach, colon, or other areas of the gastrointestinal tract. Polyps are abnormal growths that form on the lining of the GI tract. They can increase the risk of cancer over time and cause other problems.

What causes gastrointestinal polyposis?

Gastrointestinal polyposis can be a genetic disorder that is passed along from parents to their children. Certain medications and infections can increase the risk of getting polyps.

What are the symptoms of gastrointestinal polyposis?

As the disease advances, symptoms may include nausea, bloody stools, abdominal pain or tenderness, iron deficiency anemia, and intestinal blockage arising from intussusception (when one part of the intestine slides into another part of the intestine).

What are gastrointestinal polyposis care options?

Some polyps only need to be monitored to make sure they don’t become problematic. If they bleed, polyps will need to be removed. Depending on the type of polyp syndrome, surgical removal of the large intestine may be indicated because of the risk for the polyps to turn into cancerous growths.